The perfect team — working towards a more progressive tomorrow.

Progressive Congress uses a combination of core staff, paid fellowships, volunteers, and strategic partnerships with other organizations to accomplish our mission. Take a minute and get to know our team.

Dr. Gabriela D. Lemus, Executive Director

Dr. Lemus became Executive Director in September 2013, and is leading Progressive Congress’ efforts to chart a new vision and strategic direction in close alignment with the vision of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

From 1994-2000, she served as an adjunct professor on U.S.-Mexico border studies, international economic development and comparative politics at a number of universities including San Diego State University and the University of Memphis. In 2000, Dr. Lemus became Director of Policy and Legislation at the League of United Latin American Citizens. She served there until 2007, when she was tapped to lead the Labor Council of Latin American Advancement, a constituency group of the AFL-CIO & CTW. In 2008, she was elected to serve as Vice-Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), later becoming chair where she where he helped to establish progressive policies for the Latino civil rights movement.

Dr. Lemus has served on numerous Inter-agency Task Forces, Boards and Committees including: the Board of Trustees, University of the District of Columbia; the Senior Policy Operating Group on Trafficking in Persons; the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA); the Washington Office on Latin America; the US Labor Education in the Americas Project.

Dr. Lemus has a B.S. from St. Mary of the Woods College and a Ph.D. in international relations from the University of Miami. Dr. Lemus is married to Ricardo Becerra.

Daniel Parkhurst, Deputy Director

Daniel joined Progressive Congress in November 2010 following his campaign work for Democrat Ron Sparks for Governor in his home state of Alabama. He has attended Auburn University and has degrees in French as a Foreign Language, International Business with a focus on Operations Management, and a Masters in International Relations.

Olivia Alperstein, Communications and Policy Associate

Olivia Alperstein joined Progressive Congress in November 2015. Her prior experience includes work in communications, development, legal organizations, political campaigns, and not-for-profit advocacy. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilization and Theater from Wesleyan University.